Front Street (River Park Drive) Historic District facts for kids
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Front Street (River Park Drive)
Historic District |
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | River Park Dr. between Lessing and Pearl Sts.; also S. 1st, Prince, Goethe, Herder, and Schiller Sts., Guttenberg, Iowa |
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| Area | 12.5 acres (5.1 ha) |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian Beaux Arts |
| MPS | Guttenberg, Iowa MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 84001222 (original) 04001009 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 24, 1984 |
| Boundary increase | December 10, 2004 |
The Front Street (River Park Drive) Historic District is a special area in Guttenberg, Iowa, United States, that is recognized for its important history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Later, in 2004, the district grew to include even more historic buildings.
This district covers about four and a half blocks of River Park Drive, which used to be called Front Street. This street was, and still is, a busy place for shops and businesses in Guttenberg. The buildings stand on one side of the street, looking out over a park and the mighty Mississippi River. You'll also find the Guttenberg National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium here, built in the late 1930s. Its buildings are also part of the district's history.
Exploring the Front Street Historic District
This historic district is like a time capsule, showing how Guttenberg grew over the years. When it was first listed, it had 75 important historical features. Later, 19 more were added, making the district even bigger and more interesting.
What Makes it Historic?
Many buildings here are made from strong brick and local limestone. They are different sizes, from one to three stories tall. Some of the oldest buildings were built in the 1850s, and most of them are from before the year 1900!
You'll see many buildings built in a "vernacular" style. This means they were designed by local builders using common methods and materials of the time. Many have roofs that slope down on two sides, called "gable roofs." You'll also spot buildings with flat fronts that rise above the roof, known as "parapet fronts."
Special Buildings to Spot
Besides the fish hatchery, some other buildings in the district are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places all by themselves! These include:
- The Albertus Building, built in 1855.
- The Fuerste House, built in 1870.
- The Guttenberg State Bank, built in 1902.
These buildings, along with many others, help tell the story of Guttenberg's past and why this area is so special.
